Taikoo Place, a new public space under construction in Hong Kong, will offer 6410 square meters of lushly landscaped recreation space for special events, concerts and outdoor markets.

Gustafson Porter + Bowman have unveiled plans for Taikoo Place, a new public space for Hong Kong that will include lush native vegetation and sculptural water features. Encompassing 69,000 square feet (6410sqm), the landscape project will feature a variety of spaces, from small, intimate areas for conversation, to larger open areas suitable for special events like concerts and outdoor markets.

“The largest space of the project, Taikoo Square, creates the impression of a series of terraces and is typified by two large longitudinal pools connected by a cascade and a small water table. The carving and sculpting of these water features through 3D-modelling allows the water to move in exciting ways, bringing movement and pleasant sounds to the square while referencing the former Quays that once existed on the site,” explained the architects.

Through a dense system of tropical plants—including 70 trees—framed by sculpted stonework, the space aims to foster a refined and calm atmosphere. This stonework is centred on large bands of brown and white granite, which will run through the site and into the surrounding streetscape and northern building lobby of One Taikoo Place.

In order to promote biodiversity and raise awareness for Hong Kong’s culturally significant and protected Fung Shui woodlands, 53 of the tree species utilised will be native species.

The entire project is expected to be completed in 2021. Demolition and basement work started in 2015, with landscaping due to start in 2020.